What do you do with a broken computer mouse? Or anything
else that plugs into the computer, for that matter?
Throw it away? Toss it into a cupboard and forget about it?
Hold your horses!
Don’t just toss it, cannibalise it!
Unscrew screws, cut wires, take stuff out that you can use (and drop off any leftover metals at your nearest recycling point!).
Just be careful if you’re playing with anything that might hold an electrical
charge, and watch for sharp edges.
Amongst a heap of broken computer stuff I was given for
crafting with, was a broken card reader (I think that’s what it was anyway!)
Basically a bit of plastic with a bit of circuit board inside, attached to a
USB plug.
I wanted to make something with a more masculine edge to
share with you here, so this is what I came up with:
As I happened to have a necklace with multiple strands of
ball chain, I took a strand off to use for this craft :)
Of course I have a tutorial for you too. So if you’re
looking for a little inspiration or what to know how to make one of these USB
and circuit board necklaces.
You’ll need:
Broken USB device (or a damaged USB cord!)
Piece of circuit board (from the device or elsewhere) cut to
size and drilled with hole if necessary
Chain
Clasp
4 Jump rings
Jewellery wire
Flat nosed pliers
Round nosed pliers
Wire cutters
Scissors
1. Chop the plug off the USB device, as close to the rubbery
surround as possible.
2. Cut a piece of wire approx 25cm long.
3. Bend one end of the wire around round nosed pliers.
4. Wrap the longer end of wire around the shorter end to
make a bail, and cut any excess from the shorter end.
5. Bend the wire around the top of the USB plug. Try to get
it into the little grooves in the rubber for added stability. Make sure the bail is at the back of
the plug, and bend the other end of the wire around it.
6. Wrap the rest of the wire around the top of the plug
until it’s completely covered and fits securely.
7. Cut off any excess wire and bend the end into the wrapped
wire so that it won’t scratch.
8. So far, it should look like this! You could thread it
onto a chain and finish here, or continue with some circuit board...
9. Open a jump ring by twisting it sideways with flat nosed
pliers.
10. Slide the circuit board onto the jump ring and close the
jump ring firmly.
11. Add the circuit board to the chain. Either attach the
USB plug with a jump ring, or thread the chain through the bail. I opted for a
jump ring to give it a more uniform appearance.
12. To finish, attach a clasp to the ends of the chain,
using jump rings.
Wear it yourself, or give it to your favourite computer genius :)
Suggestions:
Jazz up the circuit board and plug with some rhinestones or
other embellishments.
Instead of a broken USB plug, use a USB drive. If you’re
making it for someone as a gift, you could load it with a message, videos, or
pictures.
Spray paint the plug a different colour.
Will be linking up to the parties listed below!
Wow, that is the most creative idea I have seen in a long time. Love it. And it's so difficult to find crafts to make for guys - this is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but see a little foot with 4 little toes on the bottom right of the circuit board, it's too cute! :) x
ReplyDeleteThat's great, different from anything else, I like it!
ReplyDeleteTHAT is extremely clever and creative! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so creative! My husband is a computer guy... I'll have to show him this :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what a clever and creative necklace. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
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